FREE ESSAY ON BARTLEBY, THE SCRIVENER

BARTLEBY, THE SCRIVENER

Farnaz Falsafi
English 210
11/18/1999
Metaphorically Speaking
Can one think of a better way to describe something, other than by comparison to another
familiar, known object? This is indeed the idea behind the metaphor. Metaphors are
composed of the tenor, the subject matter that is being referred to, and the vehicle, the
metaphorical term itself. Many great writers have utilized metaphors to create
illustrious pieces of work. The metaphor is a useful tool in description and evoking a
certain tone that the author wishes to create. Metaphors can be subtle or obviously
stated. In the song, "Triumph" by the Wu Tang Clan, the writers use metaphors differently
to enhance the meaning of his song. The writers use many implied, metaphors, similes, as
well as self-reflexive comparisons to help the listener achieve a more lucid picture of
the messages in the song. 
First, the most common types of metaphors used in the song are implied metaphors.
Throughout the song, the writers try to create an image of warfare. They implicitly
compare the Wu Tang Clan to fighting a battle. This can be seen in line 34 where it
states, "Guns of Navarone, tearing up your battle zone." Although it is not specifically
stated where the "battle zone" is located, one can deduce that the writers are talking
about predominantly poor, African American neighborhoods, where for some people, the
streets are as dangerous as real combat. On the same note, the writers use the metaphor
"It's court adjourned, for the bad seed from bad sperm" to make a social comment. It is
understood that the "bad sperm" are the parents of children who, under the circumstances,
cannot be raised in a good environment due mostly to poor examples from their parents.
Another example of an implied metaphor can be taken out of lines 77-82. In the verse, the
writers are giving the listener a description of the Vietnam War. They use the vehicle of
"war of the masses" to describe the war. The "million names on walls engraved in plaques"
refers to the people whose names are on the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. By
dedicating an entire verse to such a significant war, the writers give the listener a
somber tone of tragedy. It is a reminder of the outcomes of war and an effective way of
stating their views on the matter. Finally, the writers continue the war theme in line 88
where it is written, "As we engage in battle, the crowd now screams in rage." This line
is significant in that it has a double meaning. First, it can be seen that the "battle"
is an implied metaphor for a concert. Although it is not stated, the listener can
conclude this by the "crowd" and in the following line there is a person on stage. By
comparing a concert to a battle, it gives the listener the chaotic emotion that would be
present perhaps in a real Wu Tang concert. The other interpretation of the line is that
the writers are again denouncing war, by stating that the crowd is in a "rage", that they
are angered by the battle. All the messages in the song are enhanced by the use of
implicit metaphors. 
Aside from metaphors, the writer uses similes to develop the song. Similar to metaphors,
similes compare two unlike items by using "like" or "as". For example, in line 10 it
states, "Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths". The tenor, graphic displays
of lyrical rapping abilities, is compared to how a blacksmith would melt steel. A
blacksmith melts steel with very hot temperatures, and Wu Tang is implying that they
"melt steel" because they are "hot", or in other words, that they rap well. In the next
verse, it starts off with the simile, "As the world turns, I spread like germs." Unlike
the other metaphors, this one is explicit in its composition. The rapper is comparing
himself to germs, which multiply at an exponential rate. Thus, by doing so, he is saying
that he is known all over the world and that he is basically establishing himself in the
music industry. Another very effective simile is found in lines 70-72. Here, the writers
compare the song to a vortex, or current, which travels throughout your body. Also, the
simile they use to describe how the beat makes the listener feel in line 72, implies that
the music is orgasmic, of such intense emotions. These positive descriptions regarding
the music are undoubtedly included to implant the idea of musical supremacy into the
minds of the listeners. Lastly, the writers compare the music to "Grand Central Station"
by using a pun on the word "terminal" in line 74. By saying that the music is "terminal"
or deadly, it is a metaphor for saying that their "beats" are incredibly superior. The
pun comes in where the word "terminal" also means a station, in this case the Grand
Central Station in New York. 
Finally, the writer uses self-reflexive comparisons in the song to help the listener
create a mental image of the lyrics. The self-reflexive metaphors are that which has the
Wu Tang Clan itself as the tenor. Of the many examples, one is line 50 where they are
compared to an Olympic torch. By comparing themselves to such a universal and significant
symbol, they are implying their, as well as their music's, importance. The oxymoron of
"burning sweetly" also gives the listener the idea that Wu Tang is good and bad at the
same time. The metaphor would be an extension of the image that the group wishes to
create as notorious, and yet skillful artists. In two other comparisons, Wu Tang is
equated to a "soldier" in lines 15 and 66. Once again, the lyrics go back to the war-like
focus. In these comparisons, the writers are indicating that they are like soldiers -
strong, bold, and able to overcome difficulties and "triumph" over adversaries. As
soldiers "control the globe", or influence world activities, Wu Tang influences the world
through the song. Lastly, Wu Tang also boasts egotistically in line 119, in the
self-reflexive comparison to a tranquilizer. The writers imply that they, or their music,
have a calming effect to all those that listen. All the self-reflexive metaphors in the
song are utilized by the writers for boastful purposes. 
In conclusion, the members of the Wu Tang Clan have employed metaphors in different
manners in the song "Triumph" in order to help the listener get a better sense of the
meaning of the song. The writers use metaphors, similes, and compare themselves to
objects to develop the message of the song. The metaphor is truly a necessary tool for
the writer, be it of literature or music.